SR1495 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1495 LRB100 21061 ALS 36839 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Perry "Jim" Hecht of Woodstock, who passed away on February 12, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Jim Hecht was born in Woodstock on January 7, 1935; he graduated from Woodstock High School in 1953; he then graduated Cum Laude from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota with Phi Beta Kappa distinction in 1957; an undergraduate internship at the United Nations paved the way for his lifelong adherence to civic duty and interest; in June 1960, he earned his LL.B. from Yale Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar; and

WHEREAS, Jim Hecht practiced law at his own firm on the historic Woodstock Square for 53 years; as an attorney, he received the preeminent AV rating from his peers for the highest level of legal knowledge, ethical standards, and professional excellence; and

WHEREAS, Jim Hecht was involved in many community projects, including the Woodstock Opera House, the Bull Valley Association and Garden Clubs, the Illinois Migrant Council, Head Start of Woodstock, the McHenry County Conservation District and Audubon Society, the Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, McHenry County College, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of McHenry County; and

WHEREAS, Jim Hecht was an avid jazz musician and aficionado, a fly fisherman, a traveler, an art and book collector, and an intellectual; upon retirement, he spend time with family and friends, fishing in his backyard pond, reading literature, listening to jazz standards and classical music, and soaking in the Midwest landscape and artistry; and

WHEREAS, Jim Hecht is survived by his six children and their families; his eight grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law; his life partner and her family; his many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his many lifelong friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James Perry "Jim" Hecht and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jim Hecht as an expression of our deepest sympathy.